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I used to post on writing craft often, and eventually I stopped because I got to a point in my own work where I wondered if I really did know anything– if I was really in a place to discuss craft authoritatively. Having thought about this for a while (and written several more books in the interim), my answer would have to be yes I did– but learning that you don’t know as much as you once thought is also the labor pains that push you into a greater awareness. And I just totally grossed myself out with that analogy.

Point being, if you’re following this blog still, I’ll be making a lot of changes around here in the next week. Old information will be updated, pages will be shifted and moved, and I’ll start writing about writing craft and technique again. Plot analysis of movies and popular books, composition, fantasy, characterization, book reviews, spotlights, the works. And as always, comments and suggestions are always appreciated.

No more rough edits. No more large-scale rewrites. Edits are put off until after NaNoWriMo, but after that, I’ll scrub out whatever typos and awkwardness my test readers have found and prepare my query letter.

I paid for that all-nighter by immediately catching the bug that my boyfriend came down with recently. I had a fever and a killer sore throat; we’ll see if I’m fit to teach tomorrow. I’m not sure. We’ll move my supposed percentage count up a bit more and see.

It’s a 1,000 word day. They were pretty hard to put down. Also, I’ve had a lot to think about atmosphere in writing. I had a tune in my head that I wanted to convey the mood of. How do you write, and make your words ring with the same emotional impact as an auditory piece?

After months of sweat, tears, and very probably blood, I bring you the most beautiful image I’ve created in some time:

For those of you who may not understand what this is, allow me to explain. This is the last page of the last chapter of the last draft of my novel.

Three drafts, from 52k to 96k to finally 105k, bringing us up to over 250,000 words written on this novel over the last year and a half– my first version was written because of a spur-of-the-moment decision to join NaNoWriMo 2007.

It needs to be revised, proofread, ect..

I also think I’ll need an agent, or at least an agent-hunt list, by the end of the year. And a new project for this November.

about tales of a fantasy scribbler

The Forever Series

Book 1: Painted

Wyrren has no idea why a guest might be able to attack a country's ruler with impunity, but she's determined to learn why her young king is in trouble-- and protect him at all costs. She also happens to be in love with him... and he's about to marry someone else.

The Artificer’s Angels

Most grave robbers take the jewelry. This one stole the body.

Resurrection is very illegal, but that didn't stop the infamous Maxwell Gallows from integrating machinery with his son's corpse. There's an incinerator waiting for young Leo if-- or when-- the law catches him.

1st draft complete at 160k.
This book is awaiting revisions.

Blue Crystal

The king has taken his niece hostage, and gossips in the court speak of war. In a land where overland travel is perilous, battles are fought by assassins, not armies. It is the actions of a few that will decide the fate of Marla.

Complete, set aside.

NaNoWriMo

I participate in NaNoWriMo every year-- I can't recommend it enough. NaNo taught me discipline, how to focus on projects as a whole and not the terrible first 1st draft chapter, how to roll with the punches and charge ahead... and I've met some awesome people along the way.